Readers! We’ve got some news that might surprise you. Yep, it’s true, Swanson TV Dinners aren’t around anymore. But don’t worry, we’ll fill you in on all the details!
Remember those Swanson TV Dinners? They used to be the quick and easy way to enjoy a tasty meal. They had everything – protein, carbs, veggies, and delicious meat. Basically, they were the ultimate comfort food!
These Swanson Dinners were perfect for lunch or dinner any day of the week. Pop ’em in the microwave, and voila! You had a piping hot meal ready to go.
So, why did they disappear? We know you’re curious, and we’re here to answer all your burning questions. In this blog, we’ll dig into why Swanson TV Dinners are no longer around and what led to their discontinuation. Ready to find out more? Let’s dive in!
Why Did Swanson TV Dinners Disappear?
Hey, folks! We’ve got some not-so-great news to share. Swanson TV Dinners are a thing of the past. Yep, you read that right, and we know it’s a bummer.
Remember those days when you could grab a frozen TV Dinner, pop it in the microwave or on the stove, and have a meal in minutes? It was like a superhero for those days when cooking seemed like a big task. Sure, they might not have been the healthiest choice, but when your taste buds were in the mood for something special, they hit the spot.
But now, they’re nowhere to be found. You won’t see them in grocery stores, and they’re not marked as “currently unavailable.” It’s like they’ve disappeared into thin air. So, what exactly happened to them?
Well, it’s a bit of a mystery, and we don’t have all the answers. But we can make some educated guesses. One possible reason for their disappearance could be that the company behind Swanson TV Dinners decided to focus on their canned and frozen poultry products. It’s like they shifted their attention from butter and margarine to chicken and turkey.
Back when Swanson TV Dinners first hit the scene in 1953, they were a hit! They sold around 5,000 units in the first year, and by the next year, that number skyrocketed to over 10,000,000 TV Dinners sold. That’s a lot of meals!
So, while we can’t say for sure why they disappeared, it seems like the company had some changes in its priorities. But don’t worry, there are still plenty of other meal options out there to satisfy your taste buds!
Who Cooked Up the First TV Dinners in 1953 & Frozen TV Dinners in 1954?
Let’s go back in time to the 1950s and find out who was behind those first TV Dinners and Frozen TV Dinners!
It all started with a guy named Gerry Thomas. He worked for Swanson, and in 1953, something interesting happened. After Thanksgiving, the company found itself with a whopping 260 tons of leftover frozen turkey. Picture this: ten refrigerated railroad cars filled with turkey. That’s a lot of bird!
Then, in 1954, the TV Dinners came into the scene. They were sold for a cool 89 cents. What did you get for that price? Well, each TV Dinner included cornbread, whipped sweet potatoes, turkey, gravy, and peas. Sounds like a tasty combo, right?
But wait, there’s more! The Orlando Sentinel, a newspaper, sold them for just 79 cents. You could choose between turkey or chicken TV Dinners. So, it was a good deal!
And guess who was behind all of this? Two brothers named Gilbert C. and W. Clarke Swanson. They started a company, and you probably guessed it – they named it after themselves! At first, they offered packaged turkey, peas, cornbread stuffing, and sweet potatoes. That’s how the TV Dinner journey began!
Who’s in Charge of Swanson TV Dinners Now, and Are They Still Making Them?
Great question! Conagra Brands is the proud owner of Swanson TV Dinners. But that’s not all – the Campbell Soup Company takes care of the broth business.
Now, here’s the exciting part: Yes, they are still making Swanson TV Dinners! People still enjoy the classics and pot pies from Swanson, thanks to Conagra Brands. And if you’re a fan of their chicken or beef broth, you can find those, too, thanks to the Campbell Soup Company. So, the answer to your question is a definite YES – Swanson TV Dinners are still being made and enjoyed by many!
What Kinds of Delicious Goodies Did Swanson TV Dinners Offer?
Swanson TV Dinners had a tasty lineup of dishes to choose from. Check out their mouthwatering products:
DINNER:
- Swanson Chicken Parmigiana Dinner
- Swanson Stuffing Baked Turkey Dinner
- Swanson Meat Loaf Dinner
- Swanson Turkey Dinner
- Swanson Chicken Strips Dinners
- Swanson Fried Chicken Dinner
- Swanson Riv Style Boneless Pork Dinner
- Swanson Salisbury Steak Dinner
SKILLET MEAL:
- Garlic Chicken Skillet Meal
- Three Cheese Chicken Skillet Meal
- Alfredo Chicken Skillet Meal
- Garlic Shrimp Skillet Meal
- Chicken Fried Rice Skillet Meal
- Chicken Stir Fry Skillet Meal
- Cheesy Chicken Skillet Meal
- Sweet & Sour Chicken Skillet Meal
STEAM FRESH:
- Sauced Cheesy Broccoli
- Steakhouse Seasoned Green Beans
- Sauced Cheesy Broccoli, Cauliflower & Carrots
- Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper Seasoned Brussels Sprouts
OVEN ROASTERS:
- Seasoned Carrots, Sweet Potatoes & Red Potatoes Oven Roaster
- Seasoned Broccoli & Cauliflower Oven Roasters
- Brussels Sprouts & Carrots Oven Roasters
- Seasoned Red Potato Wedges & Onion Oven Roasters
POT PIES:
- Beef Pot Pie
- Turkey Pot Pie
- Chicken Pot Pie
Hungry yet? These dishes made mealtime easy and delicious!
And here’s the good news – you can still enjoy these meals! You can find Swanson TV Dinners at various retailers, including:
- Loblaws
- Sobeys
- Save On Foods
- Amazon
- Longos
- Metro
- Walmart
- Grocery Gateway
So, if you’re craving some Swanson TV Dinners, you know where to find them!
What Are TV Dinners All About?
TV Dinners, which are also called Frozen Meals, are pretty popular in Canada and the US. These are meals that come all ready to eat and can go straight from your microwave or oven to your dining table. They’re neatly packed and frozen, and they’re just the right size for one person.
What’s cool about TV Dinners is that they usually come with a mix of tasty, saucy, and seasoned veggies on the side.
Now, where did this TV Dinner thing come from? Well, back in the day when kids in the ’90s weren’t too crazy about Kid Cuisine, the idea of TV Dinners took off. It all began with the C. A Swanson Company, which started serving up frozen meals on a tray.
In a nutshell, Swanson Dinners have a little something for everyone. They’re like a yummy taste of home, complete with veggies, dessert, plenty of protein, and carbs.
You can enjoy Swanson Dinners straight from the oven to your dining table. They make a great lunch, dinner, or even a snack, once in a while.
While the company has taken some of our favorite items off the menu, don’t worry! Swanson is still around, and they’re working hard to keep making tasty meals for all of us to enjoy. So, you can still savor the goodness of Swanson Dinners!